Transform Your Writing: Master the Techniques that Captivate Audiences and Win the Industry's Attention
The Storyteller’s Mission offers advanced online classes for screenwriters and novelists at every stage of their writing careers. With practical, hands-on, immediately applicable techniques and insider secrets, these are some of the best available courses on the market. But don’t take our word for it. Listen to what our clients have to say.
But don’t take our word for it!
Click a button to go straight to testimonials to read what our clients have to say!
What You Can Expect with Our Online Courses:
✅ Complete Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with courses that are divided into easily digestible modules, each packed with video lessons taught by Zena herself.
✅ Actionable Insights: Gain access to hours of in-depth, practical content that walks you through advanced storytelling techniques using real movie clips and written excerpts to illustrate key principles.
✅ Hands-On Learning: Sharpen your skills with writing prompts, self-assessment tests, and personalized assignments that push you to apply what you've learned.
✅ Exclusive Resources: Download free handouts, take advantage of recommended readings, and get lifetime access to any newly added or updated course materials.
✅ Direct Access to Zena: Attend Zena's Office Hours on Zoom, where you can ask questions, get advice, and experience personalized support that can be a game-changer for your writing journey.
✅ Risk-Free Learning: Each course comes with a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee – you have nothing to lose, only skills to gain!
✅ Ongoing Community Support: Beyond the course content, you'll join a thriving community of fellow writers who are passionate about storytelling. Share your work, get feedback, and grow together.
About Our Available Courses
Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy
Unlock the secrets of professional storytelling with Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy, a comprehensive course designed to give you the tools and insights you need to craft stories that captivate audiences from start to finish. Whether you’re a novelist or a screenwriter, understanding story structure is essential to creating a compelling narrative that not only flows but resonates deeply with your audience.
In this course, you’ll discover:
A Clear, Step-by-Step Framework
Learn the foundational principles of story structure used by Hollywood’s top screenwriters and bestselling novelists. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the key story beats that drive every successful narrative and how to adapt them to your own unique vision.
Flexible, Non-Formulaic Approach
Unlike other structure courses that force you into a rigid formula, Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy teaches you how to work within proven storytelling frameworks while preserving your originality and voice. You’ll learn how to master the rules so you can break them when it matters most
Break Down Complex Concepts
From crafting a powerful inciting incident to building tension through the midpoint and creating a satisfying resolution, I make complex storytelling concepts simple and practical. You'll be able to apply what you learn immediately to your own stories.
Real-World Examples
Through movie clips, written excerpts, and hands-on exercises, you’ll see how the principles of story structure play out in both classic films and bestselling novels. These examples make the learning process engaging and relatable, so you can understand exactly how these techniques work in practice.
Practical Application
This course isn’t just about theory—it’s about action. You'll complete writing prompts and exercises that challenge you to apply what you’ve learned to your own work. By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully developed outline for your story, ready to be written or revised with confidence.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is perfect for writers at all levels, whether you’re just starting out or have already completed a few projects. If you’ve ever felt like your stories weren’t quite coming together—maybe the pacing was off, or the plot wasn’t as tight as it could be—this course will give you the tools you need to fix those issues. It’s also ideal for writers looking to take their stories from “good” to “great” by mastering the structure that makes stories unforgettable.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
A thorough understanding of story structure and how to apply it to your own work.
A fully outlined story ready to be written, revised, or polished.
The confidence to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers and audiences alike.
Take your writing to the next level with Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy. Learn the techniques the pros use to craft stories that sell—and gain the tools you need to write with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Formatting as an Artform
Formatting as an Artform will revolutionize the way you approach scriptwriting. This advanced course transforms script formatting from a technical requirement into a dynamic storytelling tool that draws producers, agents, and directors into your story from page one.
In this course, you’ll learn:
The Hidden Power of Formatting
Discover how the way you format your script influences the way it’s read. From creating visual flow to guiding the reader’s eye to key moments, formatting is an underutilized tool that can make your script stand out from the pile.
Industry Standards Made Simple
Demystify the rules and expectations of industry-standard formatting. You’ll learn the precise techniques and formatting details that professional readers expect, ensuring that your script looks polished and professional every time.
Advanced Techniques to Elevate Your Story
This course goes beyond the basics and teaches you how to use formatting creatively to enhance your story. From strategic line breaks to controlling pacing with white space, you’ll learn how to use every element of the page to engage your reader and heighten the impact of your story.
Practical, Step-by-Step Guidance
Whether you're using industry-standard software or formatting by hand, Formatting as an Artform breaks down the technical aspects of formatting into easy, digestible steps. You’ll understand how to format dialogue, action lines, transitions, and more, with clarity and precision.
Real Script Examples
You’ll analyze examples from real, professionally produced screenplays to see how the pros use formatting to enhance their storytelling. These insights will empower you to apply the same techniques to your own work with confidence.
Why Formatting Matters Formatting isn’t just about “following the rules”—it’s about enhancing the reading experience and making your script as engaging on the page as it is on the screen. When your formatting is clear, creative, and professional, it communicates that you know your craft inside and out. It allows the story to flow seamlessly for the reader, creating a more immersive experience and increasing your chances of impressing industry gatekeepers.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is perfect for screenwriters of all levels who want to ensure their scripts are not only readable but irresistible to industry professionals. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with the technical aspects of formatting, or an experienced writer looking to refine and perfect your style, this course will equip you with the skills you need to make your scripts visually appealing and easy to read—while still following industry expectations.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
A solid understanding of script formatting rules and how to apply them effectively.
Advanced techniques to use formatting as a storytelling tool, not just a technical requirement.
Confidence that your script looks professional, polished, and ready for submission.
Take your script to the next level with Formatting as an Artform. Don’t let poor formatting hold your story back—learn how to format like a pro and give your script the best chance to succeed.
Why You Need These Classes
In today’s competitive market, great storytelling is the key to standing out. Whether you're a novelist trying to get published or a screenwriter looking to get your script produced, mastering advanced storytelling techniques is no longer optional—it's essential.
Here’s why you need these classes:
Avoid Common Mistakes:
Many writers struggle with plot holes, weak characters, or pacing issues, and these mistakes can make or break your work. My courses teach you how to avoid these pitfalls by providing clear, actionable methods for fixing story problems before they sabotage your success.
Unravel the Mystery of Structure
You’ve probably read books like Save the Cat or The Hero’s Journey, but understanding story structure goes deeper than those formulas. My courses break down structure in a way that makes it both understandable and flexible, so you can create original, compelling stories that don’t feel formulaic.
Overcome Writer's Block
If you’ve ever felt stuck, unable to move forward with your story, you're not alone. These classes give you specific techniques to jump-start your creativity, so you never have to stare at a blank page again. You'll learn how to diagnose what's stopping your story from progressing and how to fix it.
Get Practical Tools for Improvement
I offer more than just theory. You’ll get concrete tools, writing prompts, and real-world examples to help you immediately apply what you learn to your own work. You'll walk away not just with knowledge, but with new skills that will make a tangible difference in your writing.
Gain Confidence in Your Craft
When you understand the 'why' behind storytelling principles, you become a more confident writer. These classes will arm you with the knowledge and tools to write with purpose, clarity, and conviction. You'll know exactly how to craft stories that keep your audience hooked from start to finish.
Personalized Feedback and Support
Unlike other courses where you're left on your own, here you get direct access to me through my Zoom Office Hours. This means you can ask specific questions about your project and get personalized feedback that helps you break through whatever is holding you back.
Professional-Level Skills
These courses aren’t just for hobbyists—they equip you with the professional-level skills that working writers rely on to create stories that sell, resonate, and leave a lasting impact.
Writing isn’t easy
but it doesn’t have to be impossible. These courses are designed to give you the techniques, insights, and tools that will elevate your writing to a professional level. Don’t settle for “good enough” when you could be creating stories that are unforgettable.
This Service Really Is Worth It!
But don't take our word for it. Read what our clients have to say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are these courses for?
My courses are designed for serious writers who want to elevate their craft. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or an experienced screenwriter, you’ll learn advanced techniques that will help you break through creative blocks and tell compelling, unforgettable stories.
Why should I take your classes instead of other online writing courses?
My classes are unique because they go beyond surface-level advice. I teach actionable, practical techniques that help you apply complex storytelling principles right away. Plus, I offer one-on-one support through Zoom, something most other courses don’t provide.
What if I’m not sure I’m ready for an advanced course?
Don’t worry! Even though my courses dive deep, they’re structured in a way that’s accessible to writers at all levels. You can learn at your own pace, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Can I still take the course if I don’t have a project in progress?
Absolutely. These courses are perfect for writers with ideas at any stage. Whether you have a draft ready or are looking for the spark of inspiration, the lessons will guide you through creating or improving your work from wherever you start.
Why Should I Learn from Zena specifically?
Not at all, but it will be uncomfortable. Our goal is to help you improve, not to tear you down. But our goal is also to tell you the truth about your story. Zena approaches each critique with a constructive and supportive mindset, highlighting your strengths while offering honest, practical suggestions for improvement. You’ll leave the process feeling empowered, not discouraged, with a clear path to making your story the best it can be.
Decades of Industry Experience: I’ve spent years teaching advanced writing techniques to novelists and screenwriters, with proven results. My courses have helped countless writers break through creative blocks and get published or produced.
Personalized Guidance: Unlike many other online courses, you’ll get direct access to me through my Zoom Office Hours, where we’ll tackle your specific questions and challenges.
A Unique, Christian Worldview: My approach integrates not just storytelling techniques, but also deeper themes and values. I help writers craft stories that resonate with truth and meaning.
A Track Record of Success: My students are working professionals who have gone on to win awards, land agents, and get their projects funded or published. When you learn from me, you’re tapping into industry-level insight and insider techniques.
About
Zena Dell Lowe
I’m a storyteller, screenwriter, and novelist who has spent decades helping writers like you master the craft of storytelling. With a BA in English and an MA in Apologetics from Biola University, I bring both technical expertise and a Christian worldview to my teaching. My goal is to not only help you write great stories, but also craft tales that are deeply meaningful and resonate with your audience on a personal level. My teaching style is fun, engaging, and practical. I believe in giving you actionable techniques that will empower you to become a master storyteller. Whether you're stuck on a scene or struggling with story structure, I’m here to help you succeed.
